Winning Over the Cowboy Read online

  “Beats me.” Mom shrugged. “I guess because he was a jerk. Poor child. You remember when she came here right before...Eden’s wedding.”

  It was always hard for his family to think about his sister’s wedding. It was so tied up with her death, given it was the last time they’d seen her alive.

  “I never saw Landry during her stay.”

  “She was inconsolable. Stayed holed up in her room the entire time. Only dragged herself out for—”

  Eden’s wedding. Which led to her honeymoon. Which led to her death.

  “Why do you think Eden left her share of this place to Landry?”

  “Landry loves it here. As much as Eden did.”

  “But we love it here.” He sank into the chair beside her. “And we’re family.”

  “Yes. But your father and I are consumed with the restaurant. You just want to catch fish, drive cattle and guide the tenderfoots about.”

  Why did the truth make him sound like an irresponsible, overgrown kid?

  “Maybe your sister knew you’d need Landry to take care of the unfun stuff.”

  “I was doing fine before she came.”

  “You were.” She leaned toward him, patted his knee. “And your father and I are very proud of you. But you don’t enjoy the business part of things. With Landry here, you don’t have to worry with it.”

  “You trust her?”

  “Completely.”

  “I just can’t let my guard down.” He gripped the arms of his chair. “What if her ex-fiancé dumped her because he figured out she was a gold digger? What if she’s a scammer and she charmed Eden into handing over our legacy?”

  “Landry?” Mom chuckled. “She’s salt of the earth. And if she was a scammer, she’d have wrangled your half from Granny, as well.” Her eyes turned serious. “Just because Mallori Ferndale and Tiffanie Cardwell came sniffing around a few years back doesn’t mean all women are after your inheritance. Landry isn’t like them. Really, son, you need to relax.”

  Tiffanie had still been sniffing until he’d told her off a few weeks ago. Now she was just spreading rumors.

  “I know what you need.” Mom stood, crossed to the foyer, continued to the kitchen.

  When she got in high gear, it was hard for even him to keep up.

  In the kitchen, she opened the freezer. “You need to go fishing.”

  Dad looked up from whatever dish he was prepping. “Our freezer is running low on the fresh catches we advertise on the menu.”

  And Mom knew just how to relax him. Whiling away the day at the river was exactly what he needed.

  “And take Landry with you.”

  “Huh?” His pulse spiked.

  “You need to get to know her better, and if she’s upset, fishing will cheer her up.”

  “Don’t you need her in the kitchen?”

  “We’re fully staffed, and she’s quite the fisherman.” Dad chuckled. “Even has her commercial license. You need her more than we do.”

  “If you don’t ask her, I will,” Mom said. “But not a word about our surprise guests. I’ll need you to keep her occupied tomorrow night so her sister’s arrival can be a surprise. Now go.” Mom waved him away. “Scoot.”

  Just then he heard car doors slamming. Lots of them. It must be the Sanchez family.

  He stood, strolled to the foyer and saw Becca standing at the open door.

  The smallest girl, probably about five, bounced up the sidewalk. Her frilly dress revealed bruised and bandaged knees. Probably how Landry looked at that age. Two more girls and three boys ranging in age up to ten or so. Bringing up the rear, a middle-aged couple, and two other couples in their late twenties or early thirties. The men of the group and Ron were loaded down with luggage.

  Chase hurried to assist. “Let me help.”

  “We got it all,” the oldest man said but allowed Chase to take some of his burden.

  “Mommy, can we do the bonfire now?” the tomboy whined.

  “It’s too hot for that, punkin. We’ll have lots of fun things to do here, but let’s get settled in our room first. Then maybe we can go swimming.”

  As the throng entered the dude ranch, the kids got even more excited, pointing out the rustic fixtures.

  “Maybe we can have a hot dog roast over the fire pit without scorching ourselves during your stay.” Chase tried to stay focused on the family, but his thoughts pinged back to Landry.

  “We’ll show you to the Tumbleweed Room.” Ron took over for him. “It connects to the Right as Rain Room and the Rest a Spell Room.”

  “This place is great.” The older woman’s accent echoed her Hispanic heritage as she looked around, mouth agape.

  “All of the log furnishings came from a local maker.” Chase rattled it all off, devoid of emotion, on autopilot. “All made from Texas trees. And the fabrics and decor are from a Texas designer. There are brochures in each room if you’re interested.”

  “We’ll have to check it out while we’re here.”

  “Would you like lunch? I can put orders in.”

  “Thank you, but we stopped to eat. We’ll be fine until supper.”

  The horde climbed the stairs with everyone talking at once. Chase followed the family, his mind firmly on the prospect of fishing with Landry.

  He didn’t want to get to know her. Didn’t want to cheer her up. She was possibly a con artist. Or vulnerable and on the rebound. Either way, he needed to avoid her at all costs.

  * * *

  Landry knew she should go help with lunch preparations. Instead, she twirled the office chair from side to side, staring at the picture of Kyle and his fiancée on the screen. Probably the same photographer he’d used with Landry. She focused on his face. Waited for her heart to squeeze or stab. Nothing.

  Her fists clenched. The photo just made her mad. That was all. Especially since her replacement was so gorgeous. Tons of perfectly waved hair, stunning blue eyes, sun-bronzed complexion, not a freckle in sight. It really wasn’t fair.

  Yet why couldn’t she cry? Her ex-fiancé—a man she’d loved and planned to marry until he mumbled an apology and dashed out of the church—had proposed to someone else. But she remained dry-eyed.

  When he’d dumped her, had he killed her love for him? Or had she never really loved him at all? Her stomach turned. She closed the browser.

  There had been niggling doubts about her relationship with Kyle. The way he’d tried to change her wardrobe and transform her into business casual. The way he’d bought her a makeover and tried to glam her up. It made sense. He’d tried to transform her into what he wanted. What he had now.

  Truth be known, Landry hadn’t been satisfied with him, either. He hated all the outdoorsy stuff she loved. He’d refused to go horseback riding, hiking or even on a picnic with her. And after she’d told him about her dream of owing a dude ranch, he’d insisted on upgrading and buying a bed-and-breakfast instead. To top things off, he’d belittled her and hijacked their wedding.

  Only two things were certain. No man would ever get the chance to dump her again. Ever. And obviously, she wouldn’t know love if it kicked her in the teeth. Best to avoid men entirely.

  Her insides gave a lonely twist, and she knew why. Because deep down, she still wanted someone to love, marriage and children. Maybe she should have waited until after her birthday to come here. She’d never spent one away from her family. Not even when she’d been in culinary school.

  “Want to go fishing?” Chase asked.

  She jumped.

  “Sorry. I thought you heard me come in.”

  “I’d love to go fishing.” Relax and while away her day. But with Chase? “I need to help your folks with lunch, though.”

  “I’ve been instructed to refill the freezer with fish. Dad seems convinced you’r
e a great fisherman and I should take you along. So, you any good?”

  “I have my moments.” She lifted an eyebrow. “I fished Eden under the table every time we went.”

  “No offense, but that didn’t take much.” The corners of his mouth twitched. “Show me what you got. Permission granted from the kitchen. All our staff is in full force.”

  “I don’t know.” She nibbled her lip. Fishing always soothed her, but nothing about Chase put her at ease. Yet she needed to get out of her funk. “I might put you to shame.” She needed to get back to endearing herself to him. Focus on successfully running the dude ranch with him.

  “Give it your best shot.”

  “You’re on. Let me change clothes.” She hurried to her quarters. Maybe this outing would drown her confusion over Kyle.

  Five minutes later, dressed in worn jeans and an oversize T-shirt, with her hair in a ponytail, she found Chase waiting in the foyer.

  “You are, hands down, the fastest female in the West.”

  She winced. “Translate that to—takes little time with her appearance.”

  “Some women’s appearances don’t need time.”

  Her eyes widened. Was that a compliment?

  “Eden was like that. But she never realized it.” He opened the door, ushered her out. “She fussed and fluffed when she didn’t need to.”

  “I always wished I had her coloring. With her olive skin, you couldn’t tell when she was blushing or steaming. She was just always gorgeous.”

  “Blushing and steaming can be cute, though.”

  Was he flirting with her? No. Just being nice. For a change.

  “Here’s our gear.” Piled on one side of the porch.

  “I can get some of it.” She ended up with the two poles and the tackle box, while he carried two coolers.

  “Are you up for a hot dog roast tomorrow night? I promised the Sanchez kids.”

  “I love hot dogs. And s’mores. Count me in.”

  “A chef who appreciates hot dogs?”

  “Hey, I became a chef because I’m a foodie. It doesn’t have to be fancy as long as it’s good. And hot dogs are sooo good. But the chef thing comes in handy—I can clean our catch, too.”

  “I’d take you up on that, but since we serve them in the restaurant we have to get them processed by a commercial fishmonger.”

  “I know.” She rolled her eyes. “Pesky rules.”

  Various birds chirped and sang as they strolled the thirty yards to the river, shrouded in a comfortable silence. Once they reached the bank, they set their gear down and went to work baiting their hooks.

  Landry chose a fat worm, slid it onto her hook.

  “Impressive, Malone. Apparently you have no qualms being party to an earthworm’s death.”

  “They’re slimy and gross.” She scrunched her nose up.

  “Let me guess—the same reason you have no problem contributing to the death of fish.”

  “Exactly. And they taste so good.”

  “Full of contradictions, aren’t you?”

  “Shh, you’ll scare the fish away.”

  He chuckled, baited his hook, moved up the river from her a bit.

  As the distance widened between them, she started breathing easier. Why was Chase giving her such mixed signals?

  He didn’t even like her. Did he?

  She didn’t know about him, but she liked this new Chase. Maybe too much.

  Chapter Five

  Though they’d gotten along fine during their fishing trip yesterday and caught a nice haul, today lifeguard duty had kept Chase busy. And with Landry working in the kitchen, they’d barely crossed paths.

  As a plume of smoke rose in the night sky, he set the chairs in a circle around the small fire pit. The flames licked hungrily at the logs, crackling and popping.

  A squeal came from the path. Landry led the Sanchez family in his direction. The kids whooped and bounced as if they’d never seen a fire pit before. They probably hadn’t, seeing as they were city folk from Waco.

  The middle of July temperatures had cooled to the midseventies for the evening. And the children’s excitement brought out the kid in him.

  Maybe this rambunctious family could keep his mind off Landry. She befuddled the grits right out of him.

  He really didn’t understand why Mom was so set on Landry being out of the ranch house when her sister arrived. Either way, he was sure Landry would be surprised.

  Across from him, he saw her settle in a chair by a table that was loaded with hot dogs, buns, condiments and ingredients for the s’mores.

  “How many want hot dogs?” she asked while impaling one with a roasting fork.

  All the kids’ hands went up with shouts of, “Me. Me. Me.”

  “Just be careful,” she warned both parents and children. “The prongs are sharp. No jousting matches. And they’re metal, so they get hot. Be sure to keep your hand on the grip.”

  She skewered more hot dogs and wisely passed them to one of the adults, leaving the family to make the call whether the kids got to handle their own forks or not. Just as he’d instructed her when going over safety precautions during their fishing expedition.

  The fire reflected in her dark chocolate eyes, and he still saw sadness there. He’d have liked to have a serious word with that Kyle yayhoo right about now. Walking out on one woman in the middle of the ceremony, proposing to another ten months later. Who did that?

  Despite his best efforts, he cared about her hurt feelings. But he wasn’t supposed to be sensitive toward her. He needed to stay on guard.

  “How about we sing campfire songs?” Chase cleared his throat. “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your feet.” He made an attempt and ended up clapping his boot heels.

  All the kids laughed, and he even got a chuckle out of Landry.

  “That’s not how it goes, Mr. Chase.” Maria, the little tomboy, giggled.

  “You know it?”

  She nodded, her braids bouncing.

  “Why don’t you show us, then?”

  The little girl climbed into Landry’s lap and sang off-key at the top of her lungs. With a smile, Landry joined in and somehow managed to hit the right notes.

  When they ran out of lines, Chase gave the feet-clapping another try, and the kids attempted it, too. Laughter echoed around the fire. Even Landry’s. Sometime during their fun, her sadness had melted away. Her smile reached her eyes as she cuddled and joked with Maria. She was really great with the little girl. With all the kids.

  So far, she’d pitched right in at the ranch, capable at everything she got involved in, including making guests feel right at home. Somehow, instead of seeing her as a hindrance, he was beginning to think she was exactly what she seemed. And maybe it wasn’t so bad having her around, after all.

  * * *

  As Maria slid from her lap and clambered back to her mother, Landry noticed Chase staring at her. Could that be admiration in his eyes? Was he maybe starting to like her?

  But then something changed. A bemused smile took over, like he knew something she didn’t.

  “Roar!” came a yell as someone grabbed her shoulders.

  Landry jumped. A scream climbed her throat.

  “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” Devree leaned her head against Landry’s, auburn waves spilling over her shoulder, mixing with her own lighter colored tangle of curls. “It’s just me.”

  The kids dissolved into giggling.

  Landry jumped up and hugged Devree. “What are you doing here?”

  “I thought I’d surprise you for your birthday tomorrow.”

  “I can’t believe you came.” Her eyes stung.

  “I hope you have a room for me.”

  “Of course. You can bunk with me.�
�� Landry remembered their audience, turned back to face them. “This menace who just scared me half to death is my sister, Devree.”

  “Want a hot dog or s’mores?” One of the kids piped up.

  “Tempting.” Devree patted her stomach, her curious stare landing on Chase. “But I ate before I came.”

  “This is Chase, Eden’s brother.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Chase caught Landry’s gaze across the fire. “So it’s your birthday tomorrow. You know what that means?” He winked at one of the kids, then launched into an operatic version of “Happy Birthday.”

  Everyone soon joined in, and Landry’s face heated. She muttered a quick thanks when the song ended.

  “I think it’s time for the kiddos to head in for the night,” Grandma Sanchez said as she covered a yawn.

  The kids protested but soon followed the adults to the ranch house.

  “Y’all, too. Get lost.” Chase waved the sisters off. “Go visit. I’ll take care of the clean-up.”

  “Thanks.” Had he decided to play nice for good? Or just because she’d had a rough day and it was her birthday tomorrow?

  A night chorus of frogs and crickets serenaded them as Devree linked arms with her and turned toward the main house.

  Landry loved her sister, was excited to see her, but she didn’t want to deal with the whole Kyle’s engagement thing under Devree’s scrutiny.

  “So, how long are you staying?”

  “Until Saturday afternoon. I thought you could use some company.”

  “That sounds great.” Though she wasn’t completely convinced of her own words. Her sister knew her too well and would read Landry’s mixed-up heart like the bridal magazines Devree’s wedding planning thrived on.

  “I knew it.”

  “Knew what?”

  “Chase is cute.” Devree’s sigh echoed down the moonlit path.

  “I haven’t really noticed.”

  “Pfft. Have, too. You’re brokenhearted, but not dead. Who needs what’s-his-name when you’ve got a cute cowboy at your disposal?”

  “We’re business partners. That’s all.”

  “Mmm-hmm.” Devree rolled her eyes. “I saw the way he was looking at you.”